Rogers & Palmer star but Sanchez struggles - Fulham v Chelsea player ratings

Robert Sanchez endured a difficult afternoon, earning a 3‑rating after a wayward kick left him exposed. He failed to keep out King’s equaliser at the near post and his routine attempt to deny Fulham’s second effort was parried into a dangerous area, allowing Garcia to capitalise. Josh Acheampong impressed in the 27th minute with a triple clearance and looked composed throughout, receiving a 6. Maxence Lacroix was influential at both ends, earning a 7. His headed clearance set up Chelsea’s opener, and his run down the flank followed by a cut‑back created the chance for Rogers. Levi Colwill’s early lapse saw him fortunate to avoid only a yellow card after a foul on Bobb, and he bore partial responsibility for Fulham’s second goal after failing to clear a heavy cross, resulting in a 5 rating. Malo Gusto, drafted in amid Chelsea’s injury woes, struggled with the consistency of his distribution, earning a 5. Romeo Lavia was booked early following a late challenge on Bassey but settled into the game, making purposeful runs from deep and distributing effectively in midfield, also rated 5. Reece James had an early effort saved but grew into the contest, helping Chelsea assert control and earning a 6. Jorrel Hato, deployed in an unfamiliar wing‑back role, showed promise with early dribbles and adapted well, receiving a 6. Cole Palmer stood out as the match’s best performer, scoring a 9. He was inventive, physically imposing and produced several superb dribbles before netting a stunning third goal, appearing refreshed after the summer break. Morgan Rogers marked an outstanding debut with an 8. He pressed aggressively, had a shot blocked, linked with Joao Pedro and finished Chelsea’s second with a far‑post finish. Joao Pedro opened the scoring after just 31 seconds with a deft finish past Leno and later exploited Fulham’s high defensive line to lay the platform for Palmer’s goal, also earning an 8. Substitutes: - Enzo Fernandez, introduced for Lavia at the 65‑minute mark, was jeered by the home supporters on each touch but still circulated the ball and contested for a 6. - Pep Chavarria, replacing Hato at 65, made little impact as a wing‑back on his brief cameo, earning a 5. - Pedro Neto came on for Gusto at the 76‑minute mark and was rated 5. - Geovany Quenda entered for Rogers at the 82‑minute mark, receiving a 5. - Estevao replaced Palmer at the 83‑minute mark and was also rated 5. Players who remained unused were Penders, Barco, Gittens and Welbeck.